Torquay sack boss Knill ahead of Morecambe game

The Gulls are currently second bottom of League 2 ahead of the Shrimps’ trip to Plainmoor.

Torquay are without a win in their last three games and lost 2-0 at Devon rivals Plymouth on New Year’s Day.

Head of Youth Geoff Harrop will take charge of the side on Saturday.

A club statement said: “It is with great regret that Torquay United can announce we have terminated the contract of manager Alan Knill.

“The first half of this season has not gone as we all hoped and the board at Plainmoor believe now is the right time for a change.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Alan for all his hard work at our club and especially his success in helping us stay in League 2 at the end of last season. We all wish him the very best in his future career.

“The search for a new manager begins immediately but, in the meantime, our head of youth Geoff Harrop will take the team for Saturday’s game with Morecambe at Plainmoor.”

Knill was appointed interim manager in February after Martin Ling went on sick leave before being appointed permanent boss in May.